Life in general, fiber arts in particular, near Twisp in the beautiful Methow Valley

Shawl-o-rama

Sorry I haven’t been blogging much lately! I have been trying to spend a lot of time with the loom, finishing some shawls for now. I am building an inventory so that I will be able to participate in the Twisp Farmers Market this summer. I sent in my application yesterday. They operate April through October, Saturdays from 9-12, but I will probably wait until it warms up a bit in May before testing the waters.

Here are 4 shawls I finished this week. Two used the “Arctic” colorway wool boucle warp. On the first one I used black alpaca for the main weft color and a turquoise blue kid mohair/silk blend for the stripes. On the other I used a rich brown alpaca for the main weft color and a burgundy kid mohair/silk blend for the stripes.

"Arctic" shawls with black and brown alpaca

The other two used the “Copper” colorway wool boucle warp. On the first one I used black alpaca for the main weft color and a fuchsia kid mohair/nylon blend for the stripes. On the other I used a red alpaca (which I picked up at the knitting retreat “stash reduction” sale at a bargain price – thanks, Janet!) and a gold kid mohair/silk blend for the stripes.

"Copper" shawls with black and red alpaca

The last 2 days I wound the warps for 5 more shawls, and have started weaving the first of those. I am on a roll!

We’ve also been trying to get out walking – the weather has been mostly fair, with some cloudy days, and still getting down to freezing at night. But the snow is disappearing fast, at least in our yard.

Last Monday we went for a nice long walk up the Balky Hill Road with our friend Hannchen, who was over from the coast. Balky Hill is across the river and somewhat north of Twisp. It’s a steady uphill climb with fine views to the west and south.

Oh I would love to have one of YOUR alpaca shawls wrapped about me. Spring is on the way here in Kansas all the flowers bulbs have bloomed, trees budded and the grass is turning green, then arctic blast has smacked us back to reality. the wind is incessantly blowing, which makes me want to cuddle up with a warm shawl and a book.

I like the darker red in the lower right hand photo. Do you sell these or barter?